College Profile: Towson University

Maryland has a wonderful state university system and Towson University is a perfect example of that excellence. Towson is full of bright, engaged students pursuing endless opportunities at a state-of-the-art institution. The campus is lovely, the school spirit is high, and the academics are rigorous.

History:

Established in 1866 as the Maryland State Normal School in downtown Baltimore, TU was the state's sole institution dedicated to training public school teachers. The inaugural class comprised just 11 students. Over the years, the university underwent several transformations, eventually becoming Towson University. Notably, TU remained racially segregated until the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that ended segregation in public schools. 

Traditions:

• Doc the Tiger: Meet Doc, TU's spirited mascot named after former athletic director Donald "Doc" Minnegan. Since 1963, Doc has been a symbol of pride and enthusiasm at athletic events and campus gatherings. 

• "SportsCenter" Theme Performance: A fan-favorite tradition involves the TU Marching Band playing the iconic "SportsCenter" theme during games, prompting students to sing and sway along. 

• Homecoming Week: This week-long celebration features a parade, talent show, king and queen pageant, and the much-anticipated football game, fostering community and school spirit. 

• Family Weekend: An eventful weekend where families can partake in activities like Maryland's largest crab feast, planetarium shows, and more, strengthening the TU community bond. 

• Commencement Traditions: Graduates don black and gold stoles representing TU, along with cords and medallions signifying academic achievements and organizational affiliations. 

  
  

Student Demographics & Academics:

• Total Enrollment (Fall 2024): 19,401 students

  • Undergraduates: 16,264

  • Graduate Students: 3,137

• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

• Average Class Size: 24 students

• Diversity Breakdown:

  • White: 40%

  • African American or Black: 33%

  • Hispanic/Latino: 10%

  • Asian: 7%

  • Two or more races: 5%

  • International: 2%

  • Other/Unknown: 3%

    
    

Fun Facts:

• Largest Incoming Class: In Fall 2023, TU welcomed 3,047 first-year students, marking the largest incoming class in its history. 

• Academic Offerings: Students can choose from over 110 undergraduate programs, 47 master's degrees, 36 graduate certificates, and 7 doctoral programs. 

• Campus Life: With more than 250 student organizations, including arts, culture, sports, and service groups, there's ample opportunity to get involved and make lasting connections. 

  
  

Towson University seamlessly blends a rich historical legacy with vibrant traditions and a diverse, enthusiastic student body. If you are looking for a state school in Maryland, Towson has a lot to offer students. I encourage you to visit in person and browse the website at: https://www.towson.edu/.